From conquering a life-changing cancer diagnosis to establishing a pioneering international PR agency in Portugal, UniSQ alumnus Katie has continually transformed obstacles into opportunities.
Katie's life took a dramatic turn when she was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer in her 30s. After 18 months of intense treatment, she emerged with a renewed perspective on life and career. This experience became the catalyst for founding her international PR agency, may:be. Katie was determined to make a significant impact on the industry she had been passionate about for nearly two decades.
Her agency, may:be, is not just another PR firm. It's a counter-cultural agency focused on upskilling communications for organisations globally. Katie's vision for may:be was inspired by her personal battle with cancer. She wanted to create something meaningful with the rest of her career, and may:be was the perfect outlet for her passion and determination.
Katie studied her communications degree at UniSQ, studying part-time online while working full-time in radio. According to Katie, UniSQ provided an exceptional university experience. The flexible study options allowed her to study in her own time. Along with the invaluable journalism and communications skills she acquired, the degree taught her a great deal about perseverance, self-management, and the importance of hard work in achieving goals.
"The degree really upskilled me in public relations and communications strategy, which ultimately allowed me to transition my career into higher positions, including my last role in Australia as an executive manager of media and spokesperson for one of the country’s largest nonprofits. I would not be where I am today without my UniSQ degree and the foundation that it gave me."
Nonprofits hold a special place in Katie's heart. She believes in their vision and cause and understands the importance of strategic PR in helping these organizations achieve their missions. Throughout her career, Katie has noticed that the nonprofit PR industry often lacks the resources and attention given to the private sector. She sees this as a missed opportunity and is committed to rectifying it through her work with may:be.
"There is plenty more research, innovation and counter-cultural PR to come! Watch this space," she said.
